WHY MENTAL WEALTH
If the future of work is now, how do we progress?
The Problem
Recent reports by Safe Work Australia (February 2024) show 52.2% of serious mental stress claims can be attributed to poor workplace environments where women and men are reporting work-related harassment or bullying, and pressure at work.
Beyond Blue reports one in five Australians (21%) have taken time off work in the past 12 months because they felt stressed, anxious, depressed, or mentally unhealthy.
Also, that more than a third of women experience an anxiety condition in their lifetime, and females are more likely than males to experience depression and anxiety in their lifetime.
A 2014 PwC report found that for every $1 employers spend on successfully implementing effective actions around mental health in the workplace, they gain an average of $2.30 in benefits. These benefits are through improved productivity, via reduced absenteeism and presenteeism, and fewer compensation claims.
Even more concerning, half of all mental health conditions we experience at some point will have started by age 14 years and over 75% of mental health problems occur before the age of 25 years.
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About Mental Wealth
Mental Wealth originated from the Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project (2008) by the UK Government in 2008, a landmark study giving insights on the development of mental capital and wellbeing across a person’s life course.
Mental Capital is a persons cognitive and emotional state.
Mental wellbeing is a persons ability to:
• Develop their greatest potential
• Work collaboratively with others
• Build strong, positive relationships
• Contribute to their community
The Mental Wealth Project looked at the following critical areas relevant to society: children, adolescence, mental health, lifelong learning, work, and older adults.
A key message from the project is that if we are to prosper and thrive in our changing society and in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world, both our mental and material resources will be vital. Encouraging and enabling everyone to realise their potential throughout their lives will be crucial for our future prosperity and wellbeing.
Five Ways to Mental Wellbeing
1. CONNECT
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, as linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
2. BE ACTIVE
Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
3. BE CURIOUS
Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. Keep learning…
4. KEEP LEARNING
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
5. GIVE
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, as linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.